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IndyCar: 10 things that signal Colton Herta contending for 2020 title

By Asher Fair

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Colton Herta #88 of United States and Capstone Turbine Honda reacts after winning the pole position during qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 21, 2019 in Monterey, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Colton Herta #88 of United States and Capstone Turbine Honda reacts after winning the pole position during qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 21, 2019 in Monterey, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 12: Colton Herta, driver of the #88 Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport Honda (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 12: Colton Herta, driver of the #88 Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport Honda (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Negatives

When looking at these negatives, it is important to remember why, exactly, so much negativity can actually point toward such a positive aspect. And the reason for that is obvious; room for improvement.

Look at all of the positives outlined above, and keep in mind that Colton Herta was able to achieve all of those positives even while dealing with some of the negatives outlined below — and some of these negatives are truly the lowest of the low.

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1. Races completed

Herta completed only 10 of the 17 races on the schedule. Every other full-time driver completed at least 13, and two part-time drivers even completed more than 10.

2. Laps completed

Herta completed only 1,651 of the possible 2,092 laps of the season, the lowest among full-time drivers. Next lowest was A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ Matheus Leist at 1,761, and he finished in last in the championship standings among the full-time drivers and lost his ride.

3. Worst stretch since 2011

From the third race of the season to the sixth, Herta completed the worst four-race span of anybody in IndyCar since the 2011 season, and that span including the double points-paying Indianapolis 500. His average finish was 25.75, and he finished in last place three times. Two of his DNFs took place as a result of mechanical errors.

4. Consistency

This is really a positive within a negative. Herta was the only driver who finished on the lead lap in 100% of the races he finished (minimum two races competed in). Sure, 10 races isn’t nearly the full schedule and isn’t consistent whatsoever, but don’t underestimate this statistic if he can improve on #1 through #3.

Top 10 IndyCar drivers of all-time. dark. Next

Can Colton Herta contend for the IndyCar championship in his second season? The 2020 season is provisionally scheduled to get underway on Sunday, March 15 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which is set to be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET.